Reviews

Shadowghast by Thomas Taylor

gracecb_06's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

claire_m's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

naomileunis's review against another edition

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4.0

4,5*

vickylovesreading's review against another edition

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5.0

As Ghastly Night approaches, eerie and spooky tales fill Eerie-on-Sea. Legends speak of the Shadowghast, a mysterious shadowy being that eats shadows and shadow puppet shows retell the tale every Ghastly Night. However, that’s not all that’s strange and mysterious this October in Eerie-on-Sea, a stage magician and troupe have arrived and there’s something odd and strangely mesmerising about them. After Herbie begins to see shadows everywhere, it’s down to Violet and Herbie to solve the mystery – is the Shadowghast back and what does he want in Eerie-on-Sea?

I loved both Malamander and Gargantis and delighted in finding nerdy references throughout the tales, revelling in reading the mysterious stories. So I was absolutely delighted to be able to return to Eerie-on-Sea with the much anticipated Shadowghast – I waited anxiously and desperately wanted to be accepted! Thomas Taylor’s writing absolutely draws readers in and makes them feel a part of Herbie’s mysterious journey. From the first page, I was hooked and desperate to know more about Ghastly Night and the Shadowghast – what an opening! And Taylor continues to deliver throughout the tale with strange and creepy mysterious stories hooking the reader left right and centre.

I don’t want to spoil any of the story, but Herbie’s backstory seems to develop (at least a little!) throughout Shadowghast, even though I am still definitely left wanting more! Herbie’s mysterious past starts to unravel a little and the reader is kept guessing and hoping for any tidbit that is thrown! I absolutely love Erwin the cat who remains intriguing, but absolutely a life saver for Herbie and Violet. New addition to the story is the fabulous Calistra, mysterious and magical, and perhaps with her own connection to Herbie and Eerie-on-Sea.

Dark and spooky, Shadowghast is a must read that will delight and intrigue readers. 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Walker Books for providing an e-book review copy.

docblipper's review against another edition

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adventurous dark lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

daffodildyke's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The third instalment in the Eerie-on-Sea saga, and another solid tale.

Having been to Eerie twice already, it feels nice and welcoming to come back to Herbie’s weird and wonderful world by the sea.

I like the natural, conversational way these books are written as it helps you feel more involved in the world and the story.

The plot was interesting at points, and the depth we get from Herbie trying to navigate his longing to find his family with the found family he is creating on Eerie was heartwarming. 

This is the first one i have read as an audiobook and I think that really added something different too, especially when it came to talking cats !!

Ultimately this instalment didn’t feel as mysterious as the first two, perhaps owing to the number of characters involved and the varying levels of magic and deception, rather than relying more on the folklore side of things.

I am starting to feel that the unrelenting survival of Sebastian Eels is less and less believable each time, but that is something i can deal with!

jenna02s's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

indigo_kate's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

4.0

holly_153's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

womanon's review against another edition

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3.0

I really enjoyed being transported back to eerie-on-sea. However, whilst reading this, I missed some of the wild and untamed magic of the first two books. This is the main reason why I enjoyed it a little less than the previous installments. Still, it was really good!